Margao: Pune FC continued their resurgence under Man-of-the-match Keita Mandjou as the visitors registered a methodical 2-0 win over Churchill Brothers in a eleventh round I-league football clash at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda.
Pune FC have won three of their last four matches since the return of Keita and on Wednesday too, the striker was at the heart of Pune’s victory. Keita scored the opening goal and then Gurjinder Kumar sealed full points six minutes from close. Pune move to 18 points from 11 matches while Churchill stay on 23 points from as many matches.
Both teams had their chances in the first session and, if they were on target, could have killed the match inside the first 45 minutes. Churchill’s young midfielder Lalrindika Ralte was the outstanding performer for his side but early in the game he saw his stunning left-footer hit the crossbar and rebound, and minutes later he put striker Henri Autchouet through but the Gabonese striker’s attempt was nullified by an equally alert Pune FC goalkeeper Abhra Mondal.
Pune FC had their chances at the other end and Chika Wali should have done better than direct a loose attempt on the post when left all alone. A minute later, Chika was again in the thick of action but this time too he ended with a weak attempt when picked out inside the goalmouth by Lester Fernandez.
Keita Mandjou also went close for Pune FC as his header hit amazingly hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Felix D’Souza nowhere in the picture.
Pune FC surged ahead in the 62nd minute when Churchill defender Naveen Sudhakaran failed to clear Srikant Ramu’s cross from the right, providing Keita with the luxury of a simple header for the goal.
The visitors scored the insurance goal in the 84th minute when Douhou Pierre cut past two players and took a shot at goal which Felix managed to thwart but the rebound fell at the feet of Gurjinder who had to guide it into the goal.
Pune FC had their goalkeeper Abhra Mondal to thank as well as the goalkeeper on loan from East Bengal made two stunning saves to deny ND Opara in the first session and Roberto Mendes da Silva’s freekick in the second.
Prayag fail to get past Lajong: Prayag United were held to a draw as Shillong Lajong came from behind to hold them draw 1-1 at Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. Josimar opened the scoring for Prayag United in the 28th minute but Lajong striker Chiboza equalised 8 minutes later. Prayag now stay on 18 points from 11 matches while Lajong are 13 points from 11 matches.
Both teams got equal chances in the first half. Eugenson Lyongdoh took a fine left-footer from the left in the 20th minute for Lajong but it was well saved by Abhijeet Mondol. In the 24th minute, Lajong got a free-kick from a favourable position but couldn’t capitalise.
Few minutes later, Joshimar put Prayag in the lead. A miss-pass in the centre of the field was capitalised by Denson Devdas who essayed a through to Josimar who entered the box and beat the rival goalkeeper with a rasping right-footer.
Prayag failed to capitalise further when Yakubu who was placed in the clear failed to double the lead minutes later.
Lajong were quick to capitalise as in the 36th minute, Christopher scored off a half-turn from inside the box.
The second half started with Prayag playing more opening football and going for the win but Shillong Lajong managed to hold on.
